More homes planned for Broadbridge Heath

James Oxenham

An application to build 49 new homes in Broadbridge Heath was approved by councillors last week.

At Horsham’s Development Committee North on Wednesday March 4 councillors voted in favour of the proposals which will see the new homes built on a strip of land directly south of A264, north of the Countryside housing development currently being built near the village.

As well as the homes a new three metre footway and cycleway will be created along the north side of the development and some of the hedgerow running along the site will be lost.

Officers stated no work could begin until the A264 had been downgraded later this year but recommended councillors approved the application.

Malcolm Curnock (LDem, Broadbridge Heath) was against the proposals.

He said: “Broadbridge Heath is one of the most urbanised parishes in the district.

“Horsham has its nature reserves, Chesworth Farm and Horsham Park, Warnham has its Deer Park and Southwater has its Country Park, Broadbridge Heath has nothing like this for its residents who will number in excess of 6,000 when all development is complete.”

Other concerns were raised about parking and access to the A264 but director of planning Chris Lyons said there were no reasons to refuse the application on policy grounds.

The application was approved with two new condition added, one of which was to ecologically enhance the pond area near the development and a scheme be provided for people to access the area.

The second condition stated no work could begin until improvements had been made to the Five Oaks roundabout and the T junction which will be created by the downgrading of the A264.